Virgil van Dijk has launched a fierce assessment of Liverpool’s alarming slump, admitting the defending champions are “in a mess” and questioning whether his teammates are taking enough responsibility.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3–0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Van Dijk criticised the team’s mentality and performance, particularly their reaction to conceding early in the second half. He described the display as “unacceptable” and said “panic kicked in” after Forest’s opener, which came from another set piece – the ninth such goal Liverpool have conceded in the league this season.
The captain admitted the squad is letting head coach Arne Slot down and stressed that players must look at themselves first. He challenged the dressing room publicly, insisting every player must take responsibility if the team is to escape their current form, which has seen them lose six of their last seven league games.
Van Dijk’s frustration was clear as he questioned whether players are following basic principles such as pressing as a unit and winning duels. Despite heavy summer spending of nearly £450m, he insisted the problems go beyond new signings and are rooted in collective accountability and consistency.
He urged the squad to stick together rather than point fingers, stressing that difficult periods require resilience and leadership. Liverpool face PSV in the Champions League next before a league trip to West Ham, and Van Dijk said he is focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the collapse.
